Home > 2009 > March

I Can See Clearly Now

Written by on · 13 Comments

Today I had an eye exam and picked out frames for my new glasses.  The exam, frames and materials came out to $140 (and that’s because I selected a pair of frames that was 100% covered by insurance).

I’m not complaining about the price, by any means (without insurance, it would’ve been an additional ~$300), but this just made me wonder how much my parents spent on my vision care through the years.

I’ve worn glasses since I was young, and for a while I got contacts. So assuming it’s $200 a year, for 12 years, comes out to $2,400. I wonder how much they spent on health and dental.

The more I learn about the expenses of “life”, the more I realize that being parents is a very expensive (but hopefully joyful) proposition!

Paper Love (Birthday Cards At $5 Per Card)

Written by on · 13 Comments

It’s been confirmed. The recession has had no impact on dampening my love for fine paper goods.

I have written of my penchant for thank-you notes by the impeccable Crane & Co. This weekend, on a trip to Target, I fell in love with premium handmade cards fashioned by Papyrus. Forget those $1 or $2 cards you find at drugstores – these cards, with fabric appliqué and glitter and gold foil, are works of art, all in their own.

Their prices, accordingly, are pretty high. At first I have to admit some sticker shock ($5+ for a card?!), but you know, beautiful cards for my beautiful friends! So in the spirit of compromise, I picked up a handful of cards for $4 to $5 each, but skipped the $7+ ones that I liked.

Here are some of my favorite designs, available from the website:

Answer: My one-woman stimulus bill

Written by on · 8 Comments

Question: What is dining out?

Thanks to the economic downturn, many high-end restaurants have been offering great deals. And as much as I am trying to save money, I have also been heartily enjoying the “recession specials” at high-end restaurants.

Several weeks ago I ate at a Japanese place that would normally be stretching my budget. Instead, I got a 3-course meal for $33 including tax & 20% tip. Best sea bass I’ve had in years. YEARS. I still think of it fondly.

Next week I’m going to a swanky French restaurant where I estimate $28 for 3-course meal including tax & tip. Then the week after I’m going to a trendy lounge / restaurant where I can indulge for 50% off the regular prices (probably around ~$30-$35).

I am so excited.

If you are a gourmand and you have some discretionary income (and you can’t get away for long to take advantage of those awesome travel deals), go to a nice restaurant. You will be doing something good for the economy, and treating yourself to deliciousness that would cost far more in better times.

Let’s eat our ways to prosperity!

Business Insurance Experts Premierline Direct

Coupon neophyte

Written by on · 8 Comments

I read through a little of Jane’s couponing techniques on her blog. The amount of stuff she gets with her coupons is really amazing. Even before I read her blog, I knew I wouldn’t be able to duplicate her strategies. I’m not much of a couponer for food.

I do 90% of my grocery shopping at two places: Trader Joe’s and Fresh & Easy. I don’t particularly enjoy food shopping, so the fact that these two stores seem a lot “happier” wins points with me. The prices are reasonable, and Trader Joe’s premade foods are just so delicious. Seriously!

If Trader Joe’s had coupons, I’d be ON IT in a minute. But I can’t complain though, their normal prices are already really good!

The truth? Still awkward

Written by on · 13 Comments

Even though personal finance bloggers are usually all about more openness in money topics (and I’m certainly a fan of financial literacy education), I still feel weird talking about money with people in my non-virtual life. Money still strikes me as an awkward subject.

When friends ask me for investing advice, I say something vague like “diversification”, “risk-tolerance”, “do what you think is best”, etc.

Or, before I ask someone how much they pay for rent, I feel compelled to add “if you’re comfortable with saying.”

Or even with CB, probably one of the people closest to me in this whole world. I don’t think he knows exactly how much I have in the bank. He never asked, the subject just never came up, and I never volunteered the information. I don’t know exactly how much he has either.

But I’ve spoken to pf bloggers (including a couple whom now I consider my real friends), and it’s easier to talk about how much we make and how much we spend and what our fears and desires and goals for money and everything related to it are.

I guess the pf blogger comfort about money hasn’t really rubbed off on the me in “real life”.

What's a Good Housewarming Gift?

Written by on · 26 Comments

One of my favorite coworkers (who is not only smart and funny and great to work with, but also has amazing style) just moved into a new apartment, and I’d like to get her a little something to celebrate her new place.

I’m thinking of scented candles, tea samplers (but not really sure what kind she likes), teapot & cups, or maybe a throw for her couch (but then I don’t know her color scheme).

I’m hoping for something $15-$20.

What says you?

Edit: Thank you for all your suggestions! I decided on a set of ceramic Japanese tea cups painted with different designs (flowers, a boat, etc.). My coworker seemed to really like them – or she’s just super polite!

The ties that bind

Written by on · 5 Comments

Personal finance, as we pf bloggers like to say, is just as much “personal” as it is “finance.” But where does the personal come from? Isn’t it a little jarring to realize that despite the fact that we grow up, leave home, and set out on our lives as adults, there are notions and beliefs that are ingrained in us.

Sometimes, we don’t even realize what they are, or that we have them… but those ties? Oh do they ever bind.

  • Earning ability is a terrible thing to lose (or, I must work). I attribute this to my mother, who has a work ethic like nobody’s business, and her friends, who seemed to have disappointing marriages where they either (1) ended up as the sole provider, not by choice or (2) became unable to leave a bad situation because they were financially dependent on their spouse. Giving up one’s earning ability is a very big gamble, and from what I’ve seen, that gamble hasn’t turned out too well for many people.
  • My financial responsibility to my kid includes college expenses. The influence? Again, my mother. Her view is that her responsibility as a parent is to provide the best “launching pad” possible to her child. I can’t scrimp and save as she has for my college education (though I will be eternally grateful that she did so), but I plan to save at least 1/2 of the college expenses for my child so that I can help him/her graduate with a manageable debt level. No matter what, I can’t imagine not giving substantial help. My mom will probably be disappointed if I didn’t at least make a concerted effort to help my kid pay for college.
  • It’s not pretty to be old and poor. Apparently, the best way to encourage your child to be financially responsible is to impress upon her the dire consequences of being old AND poor. (Young and poor? No problem, work hard and save! Old and financially-secure? Enjoy your retirement. But old AND poor? Beware, beware!)  Fear is a useful weapon, use it wisely. Because, let me tell you, it works! Those Louboutins are tempting, but they are no match for Mom’s stories of the unfortunate elderly who must reside in a poorly-run nursing home or be denied access to the newest medical treatments because they lack financial resources.

Those three are the ones that come to the top of my head. What are your “ties that bind”? Do we have any one in common?

Do You Pay Off Your Credit Card Bills All At Once? Or In Portions?

Written by on · 20 Comments

I was talking to a friend about this, and I realized that I like to “spread out” my payments. For example, if my credit card bill is due on the 30th of every month, I like to make smaller payments throughout the month instead of the payment-in-full on the 29th or the 30th.

If my statement says $800, instead of paying the full $800 on the 30th, I might make 2 payments of $400 sprinkled throughout the month, or a payment of $300 and a payment of $500.

This method works better for my cash flow, as I don’t just look at the pile of money in my checking account and think, wow, I’m really flush, when really I just haven’t transferred that money to the CC yet.

What do you do?

Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor’s Shoes

Written by on · 10 Comments

And yet…

I found this fashion blog where the author has a delectable shoe collection.

Be warned: if you don’t want to be tempted by high-end heels, don’t click on this link.

http://www.iamstyle-ish.com/search/label/shoe%20collection

I do believe I am most envious of her Louboutin Insectika.

Perhaps, someday.

If Loving Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants is Wrong, I Don't Want to be Right

Written by on · 16 Comments

By  Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants, I am referring to these almost-too-good-to-be-true delights.

trader joes chocolate croissants If Loving Trader Joes Chocolate Croissants is Wrong, I Don't Want to be Right

Health-wise, these are not great for you (don’t look at the nutrition panel if you don’t have to). But taste-wise? Crispy, buttery, chocolate-y goodness all around. The best part is that there’s virtually zero prep involved (except time).

You just take a frozen croissant, set it out in room-temperature environment for 9 hours to let it rise, then pop it into the oven to bake for 15-25 minutes. Homemade taste & feel without all the work!

The personal finance blogger in me also appreciate the fact that the box of four croissants sells for $3.99. $1 a croissant? Amazing!

When I am feeling especially decadent, I will eat two of these. In one sitting.

Will you have to support your parents financially?

Written by on · 23 Comments

If you’ve ever wondered that, you should read this MSN article (via Escape Brooklyn).

I think I got lucky. My mom is a pretty savvy lady when it comes to money. Though my parents had a relatively late start to retirement planning and investing, they’ve done okay for themselves and are continuing to amass a little nest egg.

Sometimes I’m surprised at how progressive Mom is – she has never said “promise you won’t put us in a home,” instead, it’s “we want to prepare financially so that if/when we have to go to a retirement community, we can go to a nice one, or we can hire in-home aid.”

When family friends and relatives joke that when I become financially stable I will take care of my parents, Mom always interject, “the responsibility of children, when they grow up, is first to their family and kids.” She also said to me many times that the greatest gift she can leave me is peace of mind.

After reading this article, I come away with greater gratitude for Mom’s wise choices. I hope that if/when I become a mom, I can be as wise as she is.

To my readers:

Do you think you will have to support your parents in their retirement?

If you are a parent, would you expect your children to support you in your retirement? Either way, (how) do you make your expectations known?

Tech Cravings for a Netbook

Written by on · 14 Comments

Growing up, I’ve never been very techie, nor have I been an early-adapter of any kind. I was the last kid in my middle school class to have AIM. I didn’t get a cell phone until senior year of high school. I don’t have an iPhone. My computer is 5 years old.

Ironically, even though this is a personal finance blog, and even though I’ve never particularly chased after any tech trends, I have now fallen to a dangerous case of tech cravings… for the netbook!

This model, in particular. Ruby Red.

Small, light, decent battery life, powerful enough for blogging, twittering, web search, and the like. The $350 price is a lot easier for my pf-brain to accept than $1,000 for a traditional laptop (although I will need one in the next couple of years). It also doesn’t hurt (at all) that this little netbook is adorable.

RIP Domino, I hardly even knew you

Written by on · 14 Comments

Fans of Domino know that Conde Nast announced the decor magazine’s demise in January and published the last issue of Domino this month. New York Times even ran an article on it.

Well, guess what? I snagged a copy of the March 2009 issue at my local Walgreens ($3.50).

domino RIP Domino, I hardly even knew you

I only discovered Domino a few months ago, and was ready to become a subscriber. Now that the magazine will be no more, I kind of wish I would’ve subscribed since the beginning. Then I can cut and clip and make a giant My Domino scrapbook. Oh well.

The last paid subscription I had was the Wall Street Journal Online during college, but now that I’m finally ready to make a commitment to a “fun” magazine, Domino is gone.

Perhaps Real Simple or Lucky can fill the void.

Can you spend $800 a YEAR on food for a family of four?

Written by on · 18 Comments

This woman can. She astounds me.

She has an $800 ANNUAL budget for herself, her three daughters, and two dogs.

According to her blog, this $800 covers:

1. all food
2. all HBA (health and beauty items)
3. all dog food
4. all eating out
5. all cleaning supplies
6. all coupons I pay for (the paper)

That is some amazing coupon-ing / frugality / self-discipline right there!

$800 would last me (one smallish girl with a big appetite and a deep love for all foods delicious) around 4 months if I’m really good and limit my dining out to 4-5 times a month.

$800 MAY last me 5 months if I really hunker down, but that hasn’t happened yet.

I’m going to read her blog mostly because I’m curious, and maybe I’ll get a couple of tips that I can incorporate into my life.

Best Beauty Finds Under $10

Written by on · 6 Comments

Now that we’re all on a budget because of the recession, here are some little luxuries that a girl can treat herself to without breaking the bank. My best beauty products under $10 are:

1. Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa shampoo & conditioner ($2.50-$2.99 each): Get both and you’re still WAY under $10. Each 16 oz bottle is chock full of expensive-sounding ingredients such as rosemary and citrus oil, and it’s sulfate-free! The shampoo and conditioner makes my hair soft and leaves a light but pleasing scent.

2. Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Sheer ($7-$9): Perfect for those days when you want to add a little color but don’t want to look too made-up. My favorite color is Shimmer Blush. I have two of these and they are my go-to lip color. If you have a coupon you can get these lip glosses for even cheaper.

3. Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer ($9.99): An all-in-one set for you to look flawless. I haven’t personally tried this set, but the reviews are pretty darn great, so it might be worth a try if you’re in the market for a concealer set.

4. Sonia Kashuk Brow Kit Arch Alert Palette ($9.99): My Sephora brow powder is on its last legs, so I think my next stop will be to try this palette. The price is right, and the reviews are wonderful. Includes 4 shades & two small applicators. (Edit: I have purchased this palette, and I’m very happy with it).

5. Bath & Body Works Hand Cream in Warm Vanilla Sugar ($5 – on sale!): Lovely scent if you like vanilla. (I am also a sucker for anything with a name that sounds like it can be edible).

6. Boots Botanics Face Pamper Kit ($10.99): Okay, so technically this isn’t under $10. But cute little package is worth the additional 99 cents. Boots Botanics is one of my favorite brands at Target. It doesn’t irritate my skin and I especially love the scent. This set includes Quenching Face Mask, Day Moisture Lotion, Skin Brightening Deep Clean Gel, Skin Brightening Toner, Night Moisture Cream. A good starter / travel kit.

Makeup and skincare products don’t have to break the bank. Any of these six beauty products under $10 would work nicely.

My question on Proposition 8

Written by on · 8 Comments

So I interrupt the personal finance for a little dash of politics. Or, more specifically, a legal / campaign strategy question.

The background:

For those of you unfamiliar with Prop 8 – it’s a California ballot proposition that defined marriage as a right between a man and a woman and thus limited the rights of gays to marry. (In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that gays have the right to marry). Prop 8 passed in the November 4, 2008 general election.

The scene:

Right now the opponents of Prop 8 (people who support gay marriage) are arguing in the California Supreme Court that because Prop 8 constitutes a “revision” instead of an amendment to the state constitution, it needs approval by 2/3 of the legislature instead of a ballot vote. Thus, the California Supreme Court should overturn Prop 8.

The supporters of Prop 8 (people who oppose gay marriage) are arguing that Prop 8 is an amendment, NOT a revision – a revision is only needed for structural changes to the government and Prop 8 does not qualify as a revision.

So here’s my question (maybe some legal eagles can chime in?):

If opponents of Prop 8 argue that the ballot measure was a revision rather than an amendment, and that it should be invalid even if it passed, would the opponents of Prop 8′s resources have been better served trying to establish the invalidity of Prop 8 before the election. Is that even possible (i.e. to say a ballot is unconstitutional before it has passed and becomes law)?

I did not see a single mention of Prop 8 might be unconstitutional before Prop 8 passed. I don’t think “separate but equal” treatments are ever equal (and I can’t imagine not being able to marry someone with whom I want to build a life with), but the whole proceeding struck me as a little, well, backwards.

*I know Prop 8 can raise heated debate. Please be civil in your comments. Thank you.

What happens to a vacation deferred?

Written by on · 5 Comments

Is it forgotten
like a long-lost letter?
Or is it a reminder
of somewhere better?

So the girls’ trip of 2009 went being from a week in Mexico to a weekend in Vegas to… undecided.

This is because my friends and I are ALL preparing for one standardized test or another (and I thought it ended with the APs and the SAT. The joke is on me). Given our schedules, it doesn’t quite make sense to be going away in the next few months. But I’m not giving up on the dream, I’m going to try to get everyone together in June again.

Being practical really stinks sometimes.